David Coote, the former Premier League referee sacked after making derogatory comments about ex-Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, has come out publicly as being gay and said that hiding his sexuality contributed to the behaviour that led to his dismissal.

Ex-referee David Coote comes out as gay and admits to ‘real struggles’ - He was suspended last October after footage emerged of him mocking ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp.

I have received deeply unpleasant abuse during my career as a ref,” he said. “And to add my sexuality to that would have been really difficult.”